U.S. patent application number 15/872364 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-19 for emergency response pet collar device.
The applicant listed for this patent is CHI HOME INSPECTIONS OF SF, LLC. Invention is credited to Weston D. Temel.
Application Number | 20180199546 15/872364 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62838167 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180199546 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Temel; Weston D. |
July 19, 2018 |
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PET COLLAR DEVICE
Abstract
The present invention discloses a wearable emergency alert
device that can be worn by a pet or a service animal. The wearable
emergency alert device comprises a single unit, which is integrated
with a collar or body harness of a pet or service animal. The
device includes a trigger to enable the system, as well as a global
positioning system (GPS) beacon to identify the location of the
unit once triggered. The device also includes a communicator
system, which can operate over a cellular network, wireless
network, or other similar network, to allow two-way communication
from a user located near the device and a help desk operator.
Inventors: |
Temel; Weston D.; (West Palm
Beach, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CHI HOME INSPECTIONS OF SF, LLC |
West Palm Beach |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62838167 |
Appl. No.: |
15/872364 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62446956 |
Jan 17, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 15/021 20130101;
A01K 27/001 20130101; G08B 25/016 20130101; H04W 4/02 20130101;
G08B 25/001 20130101; A01K 27/009 20130101; H04W 76/50
20180201 |
International
Class: |
A01K 27/00 20060101
A01K027/00; G08B 25/01 20060101 G08B025/01; H04W 76/50 20060101
H04W076/50 |
Claims
1. A wearable emergency alert device, comprising: an attachment
member, said attachment member constructed and arranged to attach
to the body of an animal; a fastener coupled to said attachment
member, said fastener constructed and arranged to fasten said
attachment member to itself to retain said attachment member around
the body of an animal; and a first transmitter coupled to said
attachment member, said first transmitter having an activation
button and a power source, whereby said first transmitter is
constructed and arranged to broadcast a GPS alert upon activation
of said activation button.
2. The wearable emergency alert device of claim 1, wherein said
attachment member is a collar.
3. The wearable emergency alert device of claim 1, wherein said
attachment member is a harness.
4. The wearable emergency alert device of claim 1, wherein said
attachment member is a vest.
5. The wearable emergency alert device of claim 1, wherein said
attachment member is a saddle.
6. The wearable emergency alert device of claim 1, wherein said
fastener is a buckle.
7. The wearable emergency alert device of claim 1, wherein said
fastener is a side release closure.
8. The wearable emergency alert device of claim 7, further
comprising a secondary adjustment clip coupled to said attachment
member, said secondary adjustment clip constructed and arranged to
allow said attachment member to size to be adjustable.
9. The wearable emergency alert device of claim 1, wherein said
fastener is a slip knot.
10. The wearable emergency alert device of claim 1, further
comprising a primary ring coupled to said attachment member, said
primary ring constructed and arranged to be coupled to a leash.
11. The wearable emergency alert device of claim 10, further
comprising a secondary ring coupled to said attachment member, said
secondary ring constructed and arranged to be coupled to an
identification tag.
12. The wearable emergency alert device of claim 1, wherein said
first transmitter includes an activation button.
13. The wearable emergency alert device of claim 12, wherein said
first transmitter includes a GPS transmitter, said first
transmitter transmitting a GPS signal to an emergency response
center upon activation of said activation button.
14. The wearable emergency alert device of claim 13, wherein said
first transmitter includes a cellular network transmitter, said
first transmitter cellularly connecting to an emergency response
center upon activation of said activation button.
15. A method of seeking help in an emergency situation comprising
the steps of: activating an activation button on a pet wearable
emergency alert device; transmitting a GPS signal to an emergency
response person; and dispatching an emergency response to the
location of said pet wearable emergency alert device.
16. The method of seeking help in an emergency situation of claim
15, further comprising: attempting to establish a cellular
connection between said pet wearable emergency alert device and
said emergency response person.
17. The method of seeking help in an emergency situation of claim
16, wherein said emergency alert person is a help desk
operator.
18. The method of seeking help in an emergency situation of claim
17, further comprising: determining the appropriate response.
19. The method of seeking help in an emergency situation of claim
16, further comprising: confirming the occurrence of an emergency
event.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] In accordance with 37 C.F.R. 1.76, a claim of priority is
included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith.
Accordingly, the present invention claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/446,956, entitled "EMERGENCY
RESPONSE PET COLLAR DEVICE", filed Jan. 17, 2017. The contents of
the above referenced application is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of emergency
alert devices and, in particular, to a pet-wearable emergency alert
device capable of transmitting an emergency victim's location to a
first responder or agency coordinating with a first responder.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Emergency alert devices have been used for decades to
provide a measure of safety and security to persons, particularly
to those persons who are likely to be in situations wherein they
require assistance, or emergency assistance, but are otherwise
unable to reach a telephone or other means of calling for help.
[0004] Emergency alert devices are especially popular with older
people who, because of age or infirmities, are subject to falling
or suffering strokes and heart attacks that can immobilize them.
When immobilized, such persons are often not capable of accessing
any nearby phones to telephone a care giver such as a friend,
family member, or first responder.
[0005] Well known examples of such emergency alert devices include
the "Life Alert" device manufactured by Life Alert Emergency
Response, Inc. and the American Medical device that is distributed
by American Medical Alarms, Inc.
[0006] Such devices are operated by using two separately encased
and remotely positioned components. The first component comprises a
portable wearable device that contains an emergency button and a
radio transmitter. When the emergency button is activated by a
user, a radio signal is sent to the second component that comprises
a base unit. The base unit is usually placed at a fixed position in
the dwelling, and is in communication with the land telephone line
of the building in which the device is used. The portable wearable
unit typically comprises a small pendant-sized unit that is coupled
to a lanyard or rope, and worn like a pendant around the neck of
the user. The base device is often sized similarly to a telephone
base set, and is placed at a position in the house close to a
telephone jack, so that it may connect through the phone jack into
the land line circuitry of the house.
[0007] To operate the unit, a user depresses a button on the
pendant/portable unit. The pendant/portable unit then sends a
signal to the base unit. The base unit has an automatic dialing
feature, which then communicates a signal through the land line of
the house to a help desk maintained by a company, such as Life
Alert or American Alarms, Inc. This information can be found at
www.lifealert.com and www.americanmedicalalarms.com.
[0008] The normal protocol for dealing with such a call is that it
is first received by a help desk operator, who attempts to
communicate verbally with the user through a speaker phone feature
on the base unit. This signal can also be programmed to be directed
first to a remote care giver.
[0009] If the help desk operator, or remote care giver, can
communicate with the user and establish that nothing is wrong with
the user, or that a false signal has been sent, the care giver can
terminate the telephone call knowing that the user is in no
emergency. On the other hand, if the user is capable of verbally
communicating with the help desk so that the care giver can
determine the nature of the emergency, the help desk operator might
be able to obtain enough information to contact the appropriate
emergency responder, who may be a person, such as the next of kin,
a closely located friend, an ambulance, a fireman, or a police
agency.
[0010] Unfortunately, many times the help desk operator is not
capable of determining the nature of the emergency. One cause for
this inability is that the user may be too injured to communicate,
or may be injured in a manner, such as having a stroke, wherein the
user's ability to communicate is significantly compromised.
[0011] Other times, inability to communicate is related more to
equipment issues than the patient's condition. In particular, when
communication is conducted through a centralized speaker phone, the
user's proximity to the particular position in the dwelling is
determinative of the user's ability to communicate, i.e., if the
user is far away from the base unit (which often occurs), the user
is unable to communicate through the speaker phone with the help
desk operator.
[0012] The company employing the help desk operator can employ
various protocols to deal with the different situations a user can
encounter, but the original emergency alert devices comprising a
base unit with a speaker phone and a user worn pendant with a
mobile trigger have drawbacks.
[0013] Though having a user carry a mobile phone would appear to be
an ideal vehicle to eliminate these drawbacks, it also has its
drawbacks. These drawbacks include that mobile phones rely
primarily on batteries which are consumed at increasing rates.
Although mobile phone technology continually improves power
consumption rates, it is still risky for a user to rely on mobile
phones to ensure their safety in an emergency. Further, it is not
guaranteed that a user will possess their mobile phone on their
person or be able to access it in the event of an emergency.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 8,249,547 to Fellner discloses a wearable
emergency alert device that includes a wearable member and a
separately encased mobile phone member that is selectively
attachable to the wearable member. The wearable member includes an
attachment member for attaching the wearable member to a body part
of the user, a first transmitter for sending a first signal to the
mobile phone member, a power source for the first transmitter and a
first actuator operable by a user for actuating the first
transmitter to send a signal to the mobile phone member. The mobile
phone member includes a mobile phone transceiver for establishing a
first communication link between the mobile phone transceiver and
the first transmitter; and the second communication link between
the mobile phone transceiver and a remote receiver for transmitting
and receiving at least one of data, voice and messages between the
mobile phone transceiver and a remote receiver. A mounting member
is provided for selectively, removably mounting the mobile phone
member to the wearable member, and permitting the mobile phone
member to engage the first actuator to actuate an emergency
signal.
[0015] www.LifeAlert.com discloses a "Life Alert Mobile" device to
be used for emergencies away from home. The mobile design is
disclosed as a pendant device that can be worn or carried in a bag
or pocket, which can contact a dispatcher to send emergency help
when an external button is pressed. The pendant allows a user to
"be located by GPS anywhere in the United States where GSM cellular
phones operate," and that the battery will last up to 10 years
without needing charging.
[0016] U.S. Patent Application Publication 2016/0071392 to Hankey
et al. discloses that an occurrence of one or more "care events" is
detected by an electronic device monitoring environmental data from
one or more sensors. The electronic device transmits one or more
alerts regarding the detected occurrence to at least one other
electronic device. In some cases, the electronic device may
cooperate with at least one other electronic device in monitoring,
detecting, and/or transmitting. For example, the electronic device
may detect the occurrence based on sensor data received from a
cooperative electronic device, or such data in combination with the
electronic device's sensor data. By way of another example, the
electronic device may detect the occurrence and signal a
cooperative electronic device to transmit one or more alerts.
[0017] U.S. Patent Application Publication 2009/0322513 to Hwang et
al. discloses a medical emergency reporting system and methodology
that utilizes a wearable monitoring device to continuously monitor
key physiological parameters of a person; and when measurements
exceed programmed threshold levels, it will automatically issue a
medical emergency alert along with location information to a remote
monitoring center via a wireless network and the Internet for
immediate local response. This system will also provide manual
emergency alert activation, continuous updates with key
physiological measurements to the emergency response personnel,
along with the medical history of the subject as well as redundancy
in emergency alert reporting and malfunction diagnosis to assure
ultimate accuracy, immediacy and reliability for the person that
requires medical assistance.
[0018] U.S. Patent Application Publication 2014/0066000 to Butler
discloses a mobile communication device which can be placed into an
"attack detection mode." While the device is in attack detection
mode, certain events can cause the device to summon assistance
automatically. For example, while the device is in attack detection
mode, if the device's user ceases to interact with the device, then
the device can automatically place a telephone call to emergency
services (e.g., by calling 911). For another example, while the
device is in attack detection mode, if an accelerometer contained
within the device detects a sudden shock, then the device similarly
can automatically place a telephone call to emergency services.
After detecting a probable emergency situation, the mobile device
can responsively and continuously emit a loud audible alarm through
the device's speakers at a maximum volume regardless of the
device's current silence or volume settings, in an effort to
attract help from other people who may be nearby.
[0019] However, though recent technology has made it possible for a
pendant sized unit to be able to function as both a trigger and
communicator, it is common for users to forget, or actively choose
not, to carry their pendant trigger on their person.
[0020] It is, therefore, beneficial for potential users of an
emergency alert device to have an emergency alert device that will
be with them without the user needing to carry the device on their
person.
[0021] Because many users of emergency alert devices have pets or
service animals which are with them at most times, it is beneficial
to have a pet or service animal wearable mobile emergency alert
device that will allow the pet or service animal to provide access
to the emergency alert device for the user throughout the day.
These pets or service animals will, additionally, be the most
likely to quickly respond to any alert situation which the user
encounters.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The present invention, therefore, provides a wearable
emergency alert device that can be worn by a pet or a service
animal. The wearable emergency alert device comprises a single unit
which is integrated with a collar or body harness of a pet or
service animal. The device includes a trigger, to enable the
system, as well as a global positioning system (GPS) beacon to
identify the location of the unit once triggered. The device also
includes a communicator system that can operate over a cellular
network, wireless network, or other similar network, to allow
two-way communication from a user located near the device and a
help desk operator.
[0023] Accordingly, it is a primary objective of the instant
invention to provide a pet-wearable emergency alert device that can
be incorporated into a pet or service animal's collar or vest.
[0024] It is a further objective of the instant invention to
provide an emergency alert device which provides the location of
the user when activated.
[0025] It is yet another objective of the instant invention to
provide an emergency alert device which will function for years
without needing to change or charge batteries.
[0026] It is further an objective of the instant invention to
provide a communication device for a user undergoing an
emergency.
[0027] It is yet another additional objective of the instant
invention to provide an emergency alert device which a user does
not need to carry on their person.
[0028] Other objects and advantages of this invention will become
apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with
any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of
illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.
Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this
specification, include exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pet
wearable emergency alert device of the present invention; and
[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the method by which
the pet wearable emergency alert device can provide an emergency
response in response to an emergency.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, a pet-wearable emergency alert device 10
includes a wearable member 11, such as a collar or a vest for a pet
or service animal 26. A representative embodiment is for a dog on
its collar. When employed on a pet collar, the emergency alert
device is ever present with the pet while it is wearing its
collar.
[0032] The wearable member includes an attachment portion 20 which
wraps around the pet 26, as well as a fastener 22 to secure the
wearable member 11 around the body of a pet or service animal 26.
The attachment portion 20 of the wearable member can be a collar or
body harness to be worn by the pet or service animal. Additionally,
the attachment portion can be a saddle for use with other types of
animals, such as a horse.
[0033] The attachment portion 20 can be a collar which wraps around
the neck of the pet or service animal 26. The collar can be made of
leather or a leather alternative, such as patent leather or
bio-imitative leather. The collar can also be made of nylon or
other synthetic materials commonly used for pet collars, such as
polyester. It can be braided to add additional strength. Fabrics
are another alternative for the collar material, or as a coating
layer to add decoration to the collar.
[0034] The fastener 22 can be made from a belt-style buckle forged
from brass, stainless steel or another durable metal. Plastic
buckles can also be used, though they will not be as high quality.
With a buckle, the collar will have a plurality of apertures to
allow a prong to extend through to hold the size of the collar
while attached.
[0035] Side-release or quick-release closures are commonly used as
collar fasteners and can be made of durable metals like stainless
steel or nickel alloy. Side-release plastic closures are also
common and are very durable, and are usually used on fabric or
synthetic collars to match the weight of the fabric. When
side-release or quick-release closures are employed, a secondary
adjustment clip (not shown) can be used to set the collar size to
best fit the pet or service animal 26. Finally, the fastener 22 can
be a slip knot, allowing the collar to tighten as a leash is
pulled.
[0036] Not shown in the figure, but commonly included, is a D-ring
to allow attachment of a leash to the collar. The D-ring can also
be made of metal, such as stainless steel or nickel alloy, or
plastic for weight savings. A second ring can also be employed so
that a pet identification tag can be attached to the collar.
[0037] Alternatively, the attachment member 20 can be a vest that
wraps around the torso of the pet so as not to choke the pet when a
leash is pulled. Because more material would be used for the vest,
the vest would more likely be made of fabric or synthetic material,
such as nylon or polyester. The fastener 22 employed with a vest
would be the same as one with a collar.
[0038] The wearable member 11 further includes a first transmitter
30. The first transmitter 30 can be permanently attached to the
attachment portion 20, or removably secured so it can be replaced
if necessary without replacing the wearable member 11.
[0039] The first transmitter 30 includes a button 32 on the outer
portion of the transmitter body 34. The transmitter body 34 can be
a multi-piece body to allow access into the interior of the unit,
or a singular body to prevent inadvertent damage caused by
accessing the interior of the unit by a person lacking skill in the
technology employed by the transmitter 30.
[0040] Additionally, the body can be designed so that it can be
added onto an already used collar or vest. In one embodiment, the
body may have a clam-shell type opening, allowing a piece of
material from the attachment portion 20 to pass through the
interior of the body 34. Closing the body 34 around the material
will allow the body 34 to securely attach to the attachment portion
20. Alternatively, the body 34 can have openings to allow the
collar or vest to thread through a portion of the body 34. This
would allow the transmitter 30 to be attached to an existing collar
or vest without requiring the body 34 to be opened.
[0041] In an alternative embodiment, the transmitter 30 can be
attached to the leash, instead of the attachment portion 20. This
would allow for a person in an emergency situation to more readily
access the transmitter button 32 to call for assistance.
[0042] The first transmitter 30 includes a GPS transmitter as well
as a cellular network transmitter, which are electronically coupled
to the button 32. A power source is included, such as a battery, to
power the first transmitter. Further included in the transmitter
are a speaker and a microphone, which are both electronically
coupled to the cellular network transmitter.
[0043] When a user is in distress, such as during an emergency
event 100, their pet or service animal are generally the first to
notice that the user is in need of assistance and approach the
owner to check on their safety 102. This allows the user to more
easily access the emergency alert button located on the wearable
member 11. Once a user depresses the button on the first
transmitter 104, a GPS signal begins transmitting to an emergency
response center 106 and attempts to establish cellular network
connection between the first transmitter and the emergency response
center 108. If a cellular connection is established, the emergency
response center will confirm the occurrence of an emergency 110. If
no emergency has occurred, such as if the button was accidentally
or inadvertently depressed, the system can be remotely reset by the
emergency center 114. The GPS signal will alert a help desk
operator to locate the user, while the cellular network signal will
enable the help desk operator to attempt to communicate with the
user.
[0044] After the emergency alert device is activated, if a cellular
connection can be established and the user is capable of verbal
communication, the user will be able to seek assistance from the
help desk operator and ask for the type of help the user requires,
be it a care giver, family member, or emergency first responder.
The emergency response center will then be able to dispatch
emergency response personnel to the GPS location of the transmitter
116. The help desk operator will then be able to connect the user
with the type of help required, by either connecting the cellular
signal with the other party, or by relaying the location and
distress to the third party. Similarly, if a cellular connection
cannot be established, a response team will be dispatched to the
GPS location of the transmitter 116.
[0045] If the user is unable to verbally communicate, the help desk
operator will then be able to follow protocols designated by the
user to alert assistance to the user's location based on the GPS
signal. This will allow the help desk operator to alert the
necessary responder so as to assist the user undergoing an
emergency.
[0046] All patents and publications mentioned in this specification
are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which
the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein
incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual
publication was specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference.
[0047] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the
invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific
form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention, and the
invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and
described in the specification and any drawings/figures included
herein.
[0048] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and
obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent
therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques
described herein are presently representative of the preferred
embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as
limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur
to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit
of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended
claims. Although the invention has been described in connection
with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that
the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such
specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the
described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to
those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *
References